Controller

IPS Custom Automation; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K match

Health benefits

Paid time off

Life insurance

Career growth

Job summary

IPS Custom Automation is seeking a Controller to lead our accounting function, owning the monthly close and reporting for a defense-oriented manufacturing environment. You will oversee cost accounting, inventory, and manufacturing variances, while ensuring GAAP compliance and strong internal controls.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in accounting/finance with 7+ years of experience, and a CPA is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance with 7+ years of accounting experience; CPA preferred.
• CPA Preferred

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close from start to finish and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Manage general ledger activity, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and financial statements.
• Lead manufacturing and cost accounting including inventory, WIP, standard costing, labor, and overhead variances.
• Provide P&L, cost, and margin analysis to leadership with monthly results.
• Maintain internal controls and accounting policies to ensure GAAP compliance.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and audits.

Skills

Full-cycle close

GAAP reporting

Manufacturing cost

Inventory & WIP

Standard costing

Labor & overhead

Govt contract accounting

FAR/DFARS & DCAA

Internal controls

Budgeting & forecasting

Cash flow management

Financial statement prep

Audit support

Excel & modeling

ERP systems

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP software

Excel advanced

Job description

Why join the IPS Team?

IPS Custom Automation is a leading provider of advanced manufacturing solutions for the defense and energetics industries. We specialize in the design, engineering, and integration of turnkey production lines for energetics materials and munitions. Our solutions serve government agencies, military contractors, and defense OEMs worldwide.

Who Our New Team Member Will Be:

We are seeking a Controller to lead the accounting function and own the company’s financial close and reporting processes. This role is centered on accurate and timely financial reporting, manufacturing and cost accounting, and strong financial controls. The Controller will bring hands‑on experience managing the monthly close from beginning to end, with a strong understanding of inventory, WIP, standard costing, labor, overhead, and manufacturing variances. Experience in a DoD or government contracting environment is highly valued. The Controller will work closely with Operations and leadership to provide financial insight, improve processes, and ensure the accounting function supports the company’s continued growth.

What Our Controller Will Do:

Essential Job Functions/Duties

• Own the monthly close process from beginning to end, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

• Manage and review general ledger activity, reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and financial statements.

• Lead manufacturing and cost accounting, including inventory, WIP, standard costing, labor, overhead, and manufacturing variances.

• Work with Finance to analyze monthly financial results and provide P&L, cost, and margin analysis to company leadership.

• Manage accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure accurate and compliant financial reporting.

• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, audits, and other financial planning activities.

• Ensure accounting practices meet GAAP and applicable DoD/government contracting requirements.

• Support DCAA, FAR/DFARS, and government contract accounting requirements, as applicable.

• Lead and develop the accounting team while remaining hands‑on in day‑to‑day accounting activities.

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, controls, and ERP systems.

• Travel as required

• Has the ability to obtain and maintain a USG security clearance

Minimum Qualifications

• Educational Background:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance, 7 years or more of accounting experience

  • CPA Preferred

• Technical Skills:

  • Full-cycle monthly, quarterly, and annual close

  • GAAP financial reporting and general ledger accounting

  • Manufacturing and cost accounting

  • Inventory, WIP, standard costing, labor, and overhead accounting

  • Government contract accounting and direct/indirect cost accounting

  • FAR/DFARS and DCAA requirements

  • Internal controls and accounting policies/procedures

  • Budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management

  • Financial statement preparation and analysis

  • Audit preparation and support

  • Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modeling

  • ERP/accounting systems experience

  • Process improvement and accounting automation

• Cultural Fit:

  • Hands‑on and accountable: Takes ownership, follows through, and is willing to get into the details when needed.

  • Detail‑oriented: Maintains a high level of accuracy while understanding the broader business impact of financial results.

  • Practical and solutions‑oriented: Focuses on solving problems rather than simply identifying them.

  • Comfortable in a growing environment: Adaptable, resourceful, and comfortable building structure and processes as the company evolves.

  • Collaborative: Builds strong working relationships with Operations, Program Team-oriented leader: Develops people, shares knowledge, and creates a culture of ownership within the accounting team.

  • Continuous improvement mindset: Looks for ways to simplify processes, improve accuracy, and make the accounting function more efficient.

  • High integrity: Demonstrates sound judgment, transparency, and accountability when handling financial information and business decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA Preferred

• Manufacturing Experience

• DoD Experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to work primarily at a desk and computer for extended periods.

• Ability to occasionally walk through manufacturing and production areas.

• Ability to occasionally lift or carry light materials, files, or office equipment.

• Primarily office‑based work within a manufacturing facility.

Our team gains more than just compensation with IPS:

• 401K with company match

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

• PTO

• Life and Accidental Death Insurance

• Development and Career Growth Opportunities

Interview Plan: Initial Teams interview with HR (shared screen with no AI assistance) then followed by an in-person VP of Finance and Accounting. Other interviews may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

IPS and all SONIN, LLC affiliates are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are valued. We are proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We believe that diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to innovation and help us solve real-world problems.

Reasonable Accommodation

IPS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the employment application process. Applicants who require an accommodation may contact the Human Resources Team at [e-mail].